Steamboat Youth Baseball

Content

2025 SEASON RULES
Note: When we reach the tournament at the end of the year, the only change to the rules will be
that a game cannot end in a tie (regular season games can end in a tie). The tournament games
will go extra innings until a winner is determined. All other rules below will remain the same for the
regular season and tournament play.

MAJORS DIVISION
• Games are six innings, or a 2-hour time limit (no new inning started after 1 hour 45 minutes)
• Both coaches meet with the umpire prior to 1st pitch to determine the official game start time
• 6 run max per half inning (3 outs or 6 runs and the inning is over)
• Mercy rules will take effect: 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5
innings
• 50’ pitching distance, 70’ bases
• 2 inning max per game for each pitcher
• A continuous batting order is used (all players will bat)
• No player will sit consecutive innings. If a player is on the bench when their team is on the
field, they will be in the field the next inning.
• No lead offs – baserunner’s foot needs to remain on the bag until the ball crosses the plate, at
which time they may shuffle off the bag or attempt to steal
• May steal after the ball crosses the plate
• May try to score on a past ball / wild pitch
• Dropped 3rd strike rule is in effect (if the 3rd strike is dropped by the catcher the batter may try
to advance to 1st base)
• Teams must have a minimum of 8 players to start the game at the start time, or it is a forfeit. If
this occurs, the game can still be played using players from the other team, but it will count as
a loss for the team that is short players.
• If a team plays with 8 players, they will take an automatic out when the 9th spot is due up to
bat.

MINORS DIVISION
• Games are six innings, or a 1 hour 30 minute time limit (no new inning started after 1 hour 15
minutes)
• Both coaches meet with the umpire prior to 1st pitch to determine the official game start time
• 6 run maximum per half inning (3 outs or 6 runs and the inning is over)
• Mercy rules will take effect: 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5
innings
• 46’ pitching distance, 65’ bases
• 2 inning max per game for each pitcher
• A continuous batting order is used (all players will bat)
• No player will sit consecutive innings. If a player is on the bench when their team is on the
field, they will be in the field the next inning.
• No lead offs – baserunner’s foot needs to remain on the bag until the ball crosses the plate, at
which time they may shuffle off the bag
• No stealing
• Baserunners may try and advance to 2nd or 3rd base on past balls or balls dropped by the
catcher only
• Baserunners may not score on a past ball or wild pitch (must remain at 3rd base)
• Dropped 3rd strike rule is NOT in effect (if the catcher drops the ball on the 3rd strike, the batter
is called out)
• Teams must have a minimum of 8 players to start the game at the start time, or it is a forfeit. If
this occurs, the game can still be played using players from the other team, but it will count as
a loss for the team that is short players.
• If a team plays with 8 players, they will take an automatic out when the 9th spot is due up to
bat.

ROOKIES DIVISION
• Games are five innings, or a 1 hour time limit (no new inning started after 45 minutes)
• Both coaches meet with the umpire prior to 1st pitch to determine the official game start time
• 6 run maximum per half inning (3 outs or 6 runs and the inning is over)
• Mercy rules will take effect: 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5
innings
• A continuous batting order is used (all players will bat)
• No player will sit consecutive innings. If a player is on the bench when their team is on the
field, they will be in the field the next inning.
• No lead offs or stealing
• Batters get 5 pitches to put the ball in play. If they foul off the 5th they get a 6th pitch. After 6
pitches the at-bat is over, even if it is fouled off.
• Runners may only advance one base on an overthrow
• All runners must stop when the ball gets back to the general area of the pitcher (ball hit to
outfield, etc.) Coaches: use your best judgement on this.
• Catching is encouraged this year, but not required. If you play with a catcher, you may have a
max of 10 players on the field with 4 outfielders. If you choose to play without a catcher, you
may have a max of 9 players on the field with 4 outfielders.
• Outfielders need to have their feet in the grass (not playing right behind the infielders).
• The only coaches on the field will be the coach feeding the machine and 1st /3rd base coaches.
No coaches standing in the outfield, etc.
• Teams must have a minimum of 8 players to start the game at the start time, or it is a forfeit. If
this occurs, the game can still be played using players from the other team, but it will count as
a loss for the team that is short players.
• If a team plays with 8 players, they will take an automatic out when the 9th spot is due up to
bat.

Content

Rookie Rules

Rookie division is designed to teach players the basics of baseball with emphasis on teamwork, sportsmanship, and fun.
Rookie league is designed for players 7-8 years old.
Players should experience every position throughout the season.
Official scores and standings are kept via the GameChanger App.
Time: 6 innings or 1:00h time limit, whichever comes first. Continuous batting order.
Unlimited substitutions.
Inning is over once every player bats or 3 outs are made.
No leading off and no stealing bases.
Up to 10 players take the field on defense. The intent is to minimize the number of players sitting out
each inning.
Bases are 50’.
Pitching - the coach of the offensive team will pitch 5 pitches using a mechanical pitching machine. The batter is out if a ball is not put into play after 5 pitches. If player hits the 5th pitch foul, then allow batter to have one more pitch. No walks allowed. A 3-strike rule may come into play for year end tournament.
The coach operating the pitching machine will also serve as the umpire if no umpire is present.
All runners stop once the ball is returned to the pitcher and the pitcher is within 5’ in any direction of the
pitching machine.
Runners may only advance one base on an overthrow.
A batter who throws a bat will be given one warning and called out on a 2nd offense.

Additional Rules

9.01 Fair Ball Arc Shall be Eliminated

9.02 Safety Arc: There shall be a thirty (30) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. Infielders must stay behind this line until the ball is hit.

9.03 Pitching Circle: There shall be a ten (10) foot diameter circle with the front edge at forty-two (42) feet from the rear point of home plate. Players should be discouraged from entering this circle at all times. The pitcher must have his foot on the edge of this circle for each pitch.

9.04 Pitching Machine: The front leg(s) shall be set at a distance of forty-two (42) feet from the rear point of home plate.

9.05 Recommended pitching machine speeds: The pitching machine shall be set at 35 MPH

9.06 Pitching Machine Operator: The Pitching Machine operator shall be a coach from the team on offense.

9.07 Ten (10) defensive players shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders. The fourth (4th) outfielder shall not assume an infield position:

There shall be a catcher at all times.

All outfielders shall stay behind the baseline.

9.08 The defensive player listed as pitcher shall try to avoid enter the pitching circle

9.09 Defensive coaches shall be allowed on the field of play if agreed to with opposite team coach.

9.10 The Infield Fly Rule shall not be in effect at any time.

9.11 The batting order shall constitute all present players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals shall be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. All players will be in the batting order even if they are not playing defensive that inning.

9.11.A Teams may start a game with eight (8) players. Coaches can share players if there are not enough players as long as both coaches agree.

9.12 Teams may use free substitution on defense, but the batting order shall remain the same.

9.13 There shall be no bunting

9.14 The batter shall receive the following pitches:

9.15 No walking

9.16 Runners shall not lead-off or steal bases. The runner can not leave the base until the batter hits the ball.

9.17 A courtesy runner for catcher of record only the previous inning may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the previous out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the previous batter not on base.

9.19 The game is over, when the allotted time is up. Try to allow both teams to bat the same number of innings if possible.

9.20 Coaches shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called when the ball is under control in the infield. The play will stop and runners will advance or return to the nearest base. Players shall not advance more than one base on an overthrown ball.

9.21 No one shall be allowed on the field that is not a registered player or coach with the YVYB.

9.22 Volunteer parents shall be allowed to assist in the dugout

9.23 Only the on deck hitter shall be allowed outside the dugout while their team is batting.

9.24 If players are called out on the bases they must return to the dugout in all innings

9.25 There shall be no coach pitch during games. Practices only

9.27 All defensive players must play one inning of outfield.

Outfielders must play 10' off of the dirt. This prevents having a 2nd shortstop, etc.

Content

T-Ball Rules

T-Ball is about having fun and learning the basics of baseball.
No score and standings are kept.
Time: 3 innings or 50 minute time limit, whichever comes first.
Continuous batting order and last batter runs bases until a defensive play is made.
There are no strikeouts.
All batters will bat through lineup no matter how many outs.
A coach may toss 3 pitches prior to the tee being used.
Players must remain in their positions until the ball is hit.
A ball hit in the field of play must travel 5 feet from home plate to be declared in play. Balls hit less than 5 feet are treated as foul balls.
Only 6 players allowed on the infield. The remainder of players are to be spread across the outfield
evenly.
Coaches AND Parents are encouraged to assist in the field.

Additional Rules

10.02 Safety Arc: There shall be a thirty (30) foot arc drawn from (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. Infielders must stay behind this line until the ball is hit.

10.03 Pitching Plate: The pitching plate shall be located at forty-two (42) feet from the front edge of the pitching plate to the back point of home plate.

10.04 Ball: Standard T- balls shall be used

10.05 There shall be no catcher.

10.06A All outfielders shall stay behind the baseline.

10.07 The defensive player listed as pitcher shall stay in contact with the pitchers’ plate until the ball is hit.

10.08 Defensive coaches shall be allowed on the field of play if agreed to with opposite team coach.

10.09 The Infield Fly Rule shall not be in effect at any time.

10.10 The batting order shall constitute all present players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals shall be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. All players will be in the batting order even if they are not playing defense that inning.

First Inning: All players on the roster shall bat in the first inning. The inning is over after each player has had one at bat. All players shall advance to home after the last batter.

2^nd and All other innings: The inning will be over after a team reaches three outs or the entire lineup has had an at bat. The next inning will begin with next player in the lineup. (Optional if both teams agree)

10.10.A Teams may start a game with eight (8) players. Coaches can share players if there are not enough players if both coaches agree.

10.11 Teams may use free substitution on defense, but the batting order shall remain the same.

10.12 Bunting shall not be allowed.

10.13 The batter shall receive the following:

Players to receive unlimited swings in all innings.

10.14 There shall be no intentional walks

10.15 Runners shall not lead-off or steal bases.

10.16 There shall be no maximum runs per inning.

10.17 The game is over, when the allotted time is up. Try to allow both teams to bat the same number of innings if possible.

10.18 Coaches shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called when the ball is under control in the infield. The play will stop and runners will advance or return to the nearest base. Players shall not advance on an overthrown ball.

10.20 Volunteer parents are encouraged to assist on the field and in the dugout.

10.21 Only the on deck hitter shall be allowed outside the dugout while their team is batting.

10.22 If players are called out on the bases they must return to the dugout in all innings

10.23 Defensive players must rotate each inning

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